By Imelda Osayande

Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, received 119 stolen artefacts from the Government of the Netherlands.

Oba Ewuare attributed the successful return of the artefacts to divine intervention, while thanking President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhamadu Buhari for their supports and commitment.

He said that both Tinubu and Buhari ensured that the artefacts were not looted for another round.

“There were groups in this country believed to be an international cartel that had all sorts of conspiracy to enable them re-loot our artifacts,’’ he said.

Oba expressed gratitude to the government of the Netherlands for working with them, adding that the gesture had reawakened the courage and morale of Benin people.

He also praised the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for his efforts in retrieving the artefacts.

Oba Ewuare used the medium to urge the youths to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity.

He emphasised that the return of the artefacts was a testament to the power of determination and prayer.

He prayed with the officials of the commission, while hoping that more artefacts be returned in the future.

Earlier, the Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, stated that the commission and the Benin Royal Palace are working tirelessly to ensure more return of stolen artefacts.

Holloway noted that the 119 artefacts were the largest number so far received of several stolen artifacts.

Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to improve the storage system for the artefacts.

The state promised to build necessary facilities to preserve the items.

The General-Director of Wereld Museum, Marieke Van Bommel, explained that the artefacts were looted; noting that the Netherlands has a policy to return what does not belong to them.

She noted that there were more collections in Europe, but they were not under their jurisdiction. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu